The Shenandoah Welcome Center and Museum has lots of pictures, books and newspaper articles that have been written about the town’s rich history. Subjects range from
the Iron Ore days, Railroad History and books and articles written about local businesses. All of these books can be viewed in the very large History Room. We would like to introduce you to one of these books. The book is called The Comertown Grocery and it was written by Mr. Charles D Stevens.
The Comertown Grocery Store building is located at the intersection of Comertown Road (Rt. 602) and Fleeburg Road (Rt. 603). The store closed down many years ago, but the building still stands.
In the book Mr. Stevens list the history of the store and business to include all owners of the store. The store was founded in 1912 by Amos Comer and Gilbert J. Strickler. The store was originally named Amos Comer Grocery, and was located about 0.3 mile further east of its current location on the left hand side of the road. The original location was in front of the home of Amos Comer and his wife Florence. This house still stands and is pictured in the book. In 1952 the store building was moved from its original location to its present location which was the old Comertown School property. In the book Mr. Stevens included many photographs taken inside the store while it was still open. Some of the photos include the old candy display case and Page Price as owner and operator. Other pictures include frequent visitors to the store such as Joe Comer, Bobby Comer and Jack Supples. The store has changed names a few times over the years and has had several operators of the business to include Richard and Susie Stepp, Earl Price, Russell McAlister, Lee Page Price and others.
The museum has several other books that Mr. Stevens wrote to include Strickler Hardware Store and the Shenandoah General Store.
Mr. Charles Stevens lived in Richmond Virginia. He would always visit the Town of Shenandoah on numerous occasions to gather back ground information on his books or to visit friends and the Historic Stevens Cottage. You would always see him at Shenandoah’s annual Memorial Day Festival and Parade. Attached picture of Mr. Stevens was taken on front porch of Stevens cottage in May 2011.
Charles was a grandnephew of Mary E. Stevens. She was known as Miss Mamie and taught first and second grades in the Shenandoah Public Schools for approximately fifty-one years. Mary and her sister Edna Stevens lived at Stevens Cottage on Maryland Avenue in Shenandoah. Mr. Charles D. Stevens Passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at the age of 86.
The Shenandoah Museum and Welcome Center is located at 507 First Street in Shenandoah Virginia, Phone: (540) 652-8773. Museum & Welcome Center operating hours are Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm and closed each day 12-1pm for lunch.
Mr. Charles D. Stevens on front porch of Stevens cottage in May 2011.
